Tag Archives: Joel 2:13

“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” Joel 2:13

In Joel’s time, deep remorse was demonstrated by tearing or rending one’s clothes. It was an outward display of atonement that no doubt impressed men. God, however, it not as concerned with our outward displays of penitence as He is with our inward repentance. God is a Searcher of hearts. Meditate on your attitude towards God. Are your actions prompted by your sincere love for Him? Or, are you prompted by the praise of men? This is one instance where there is no fine line or middle ground. One either strives to please God in his or her attitude and actions or plans his or her steps based upon the righteousness of men.